News ItemFirst Judicial District Judge Carol A. Hooten to Fill Second Congressional District Seat on Minnesota Court of Appeals

Posted: Friday, March 30, 2012

Today, Governor Mark Dayton announced the appointment of the Honorable Carol A. Hooten as judge for the Second Congressional District seat on the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Judge Hooten will be replacing the Honorable David Minge.

“Judge Hooten was chosen from a group of outstanding candidates. Her excellent service on the District Court and her deep commitment to public service will serve Minnesota well on the Court of Appeals,” Governor Mark Dayton said.

Judge Hooten is currently a District Court Judge within the First Judicial District where she was elected in 2002. During her tenure, Judge Hooten served as Chair of the Children’s Justice Initiative where she was responsible for implementing new Best Practices for handling child protection cases. Previously, she worked for two private law firms before starting her own firm, in which she represented clients in civil matters. Judge Hooten also worked as an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association. She received a B.A., summa cum laude from the University of Minnesota in 1973; and a J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law in 1978.

Additionally, Judge Hooten serves as Chair of the Scott County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Committee and is a member of the Scott County Legal Law Library Board. Her family also established a memorial fund for Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis. Judge Hooten previously served as Chair of the Parental Leave Committee for Minnesota Women Lawyers and was an active member of the Eagan Athletic Association.

Judge Hooten resides with her family in Lakeville.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals handles most of the appeals from the final decisions of the trial courts, state agencies and local governments. It is composed of judges who represent each of Minnesota’s eight congressional districts as well as eleven judges who serve in an at-large capacity.